THE HOTEL: Situated in the buzzing cultural district of Singapore, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel is one of the 81 Kempinski properties worldwide. It was refurbished in 2018, retaining its colonial charm. Originally two individual buildings, built in 1904 and 1933, these have been cleverly united with a connecting glass walkway on the second floor.
THE CHECK-IN: From the moment the taxi pulled up into the private, covered entrance way, everything was seamless. A lovely employee called Qian Ping (“Call me QP!” she immediately said) opened the taxi door and my luggage was whisked away from the taxi to concierge. As we entered the beautiful and calming lobby area, a fragrance from Salvatore Ferragamo wafted through the climate-controlled air. I took a seat at one of the three check-in desks and was offered a glass of welcome Champagne, but kindly declined (it was just before 10am!). The check-in process was quick, efficient, welcoming, and done within about 10 minutes.
THE ROOM: I was lucky to be staying in a Grand Deluxe Room (215), overlooking Victoria Street and the National Heritage Board Office with its clock tower. The room was huge, with a king-size bed, separate bath, wet room, toilet, and double sinks. The curtains, blinds and lighting were all electronically controlled at a touch of a button.
THE FACILITIES: Take in a show at the Capitol Theatre or buy a Dyson – there really is something for everyone here! The hotel complex has everything you could need, including an arcade with a host of shops and eateries including German (Frieda), Italian (La Scala), American (Broadway) and Asian cuisine. Alvin Leung’s ’15 Stamford’ serves breakfast or an à la carte menu for lunch or dinner.
The hotel bar offers a wide selection of drinks with DJ or live music in the evenings, or you can have a drink and bar snacks in the hotel’s lobby lounge. The pool area was compact but perfectly formed. An outdoor area had sun loungers, umbrellas and a pool snack menu, all just a stone’s throw away from the fully-equipped gym.
There’s also direct access to public transportation services.
THE BUSINESS: Connection to the complimentary Wi-Fi was brilliantly simple and functioned anywhere within the hotel without fault throughout my entire stay.There are two main choices for meetings – an intimate ‘The Private Room’ accommodating up to 12 people or ‘The Atelier’ accommodating 220 guests.
THE VERDICT: An impressive hotel which lives up to its five-star rating. Employees are both friendly and attentive making for a wonderful, personalised service.
THE DETAILS: The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, Tel. +65 6368 8888. Prices in January 2023 start from £218 a night for a Deluxe room.
By Craig McQuinn
